Missy Higgins’ induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the 2024 ARIA Awards was nothing short of a love letter to her iconic career and the profound influence she’s had on Australian music.
Held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Gadigal land on Nov. 20, the event honored Higgins’ two decades of chart-topping hits, emotional storytelling, and unwavering authenticity.
The night was capped by a powerhouse performance featuring Higgins alongside fellow powerhouse performers Amy Shark, Angie McMahon, Gretta Ray, and drum dynamo G Flip — who nabbed “Song of the Year” award for “The Worst Person Alive”. Together, they delivered a high-energy medley of Missy’s most beloved songs.
In her emotional ARIA Hall of Fame Induction speech prior to the performance, Higgins said, “I really have to gather myself. What an incredible honour it is to accept this award and to stand up here tonight in front of all you guys, my music pals my music industry family. Some of you I’ve been touring alongside for over 23 years. And I feel so bloody fortunate to have shared this journey with you all.”
Higgins didn’t just reflect on her career but also made a powerful call to action for the Australian music industry, throwing her support behind homegrown artists.
“The young singer-songwriter just starting out won’t be as fortunate as me,” she explained. “We have to keep demanding local content here. We can’t lose Australian stories. We lose that, we lose who we are.”
Since her 2004 debut, The Sound of White, Higgins has been a force in Australian music. The album, which included unforgettable tracks like “Scar” and “The Special Two,” achieved 12-times platinum certification and spent seven non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Her follow-ups—On A Clear Night (2007) and The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle (2012)—also soared to No. 1.
Her latest record, The Second Act, released in September via EMI Australia, continued the streak, becoming her fourth album to top the ARIA Albums Chart.
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ discussing her first full-length release in six years in September, Higgins explained, “I generally take really big breaks in between albums and then when I come back, I’m immersed in the process. I’m very obsessed with it, and it becomes my entire life for a while. It’s like the ‘birth, death, rebirth’ circle. Going around and around.”
Missy also picked up the Best Australian Live Act award for her Second Act tour, which has sold over 100,000 tickets. Reflecting on the tour, she shared, “I was in tears at the beginning of this tour because I didn’t know how I was going to sing these songs every night,” adding that it turned out to be the “best bloody therapy.”
When news of her prestigious induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame was announced back in September, Higgins said, “I feel very honoured and grateful. So many artists I love and admire are in the ARIA Hall of Fame, so it feels a bit surreal to be joining them. This year has already been really special, now this is going to make it even more memorable.”
The 2024 ARIA Awards were packed with unforgettable performances. The Pixies shocked the audience with a surprise world TV exclusive of their classic “Where Is My Mind.” Down Under supporting Pearl Jam on tour, the ’90s alternative rock icons also recently announced their own Aussie tour, which will see them return to the country next year.
U.S. country star Kane Brown joined Troy Cassar-Daley onstage for a heartfelt duet, with a surprise vocal appearance by Australian music legend Kasey Chambers.
Jessica Mauboy lit up the stage, teaming with Best Hip Hop/Rap winners 3% and Julian Hamilton of The Presets for a stunning rendition of “Won’t Stop” and “Our People.” Rising stars CYRIL, Becca Hatch, and Budjerah delivered a genre-blurring performance that highlighted the future of Australian music, while Ava Max brought a high-energy medley of her hits, including “Sweet but Psycho,” “Kings & Queens,” and her new single collaboration “Forever Young” (ft. David Guetta and Alphaville).
Watch Missy Higgins and Friends perform at the 2024 ARIA Awards here.
